Father Sebastian Aristizabal, diocese’s newest priest, called ‘incredible gift’
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People came by the busload to see the man who ministered to them be ordained a priest.
“I think he’s going to be an incredible gift to our diocese,” said Katherine Morhart, who got to know Father Sebastian Aristizabal during their time at Holy Trinity Parish in Dunkirk.
(Photo by Nicole Dzimira)
The June 1 ordination of Father Aristizabal was unique in that the first reading was done in Spanish, the Colombian-born priest’s native tongue.
Bishop Michael W. Fisher welcomed the Aristizabal family, some of whom traveled from Colombia, and Father Bill Brown, rector of St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore, where the sole ordinate studied.
Earlier that day Bishop Fisher accidentally referred to the not yet ordained man as “Father.”
“Get used to it,” the bishop told him. “It’s probably the most endearing title our beloved people can give to us. To be called father is to embrace a big responsibility, a responsibility of patience, a responsibility of care, a responsibility of healing, a responsibility of sanctifying, a responsibility of leading others to Christ, and ultimately a responsibility of love. This day, among all the wonderful things you are experiencing, probably the most will be to be called father.”
Bishop Fisher referenced that day’s Gospel from John, where Jesus explains why He chose His disciples.
“Today’s Gospel reminds us that it is also a moment of confirmation. Deacon Sebastian has not only reached this crucial moment in his life after a long and sometimes challenging journey of discernment and discovery. In all kinds of ways, some of which Deacon Sebastian may be able to identify and some of which are hidden to him, God is at work in his life, whispering to him in his heart, shaping and molding him through moments of suffering and moments of joy, revealing Himself to him and the people he has encountered, and the challenged he has had to face.
“In all of this, the words of the Gospel cry out. ‘It was not you who chose Me. But I who chose you, and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, also that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He will give you.”
God’s grace allowed Father Sebastian to hear the Lord speaking to him and give him the strength to respond.
The bishop said the role of the priest is to bring others to Christ.
“Sebastian, have a hunger for souls. Embrace your call to be that evangelist that the Lord is calling you to be. In these challenging times, our minds, hearts and souls must be set in carrying out the Lord’s mission of evangelization and bringing others to Christ.”
After promising obedience to Bishop Fisher and his successors, the bishop said to Father Aristizabal, “May God who has begun the good work in you, bring it to fulfillment.”
Father Aristizabal will serve as parochial vicar at Mary of Bethlehem Family of Parishes #26 in Lackawanna, Blasdell and Orchard Park.
Father Aristizabal spent the previous year serving as a deacon in the Lord’s Vineyard Family of Parishes in Dunkirk and Fredonia under Father Robert Owczarczak, pastor of the family.
As a deacon, he has conducted baptisms, led pre-Cana sessions, preached at the altar, visited nursing homes, and blessed homes. “He’s done the whole gamut,” said Father Owczarczak. “If he couldn’t do it because he wasn’t a priest yet, he was by my side while I did it.”
Newly ordained Father Sebastian Aristizabal poses with his family. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Following his ordination, Father Sebastian Aristizabal poses with Bishop Michael W. Fisher outside St. Joseph Cathedral. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Everyone wanted a memory of Father Sebastian Aristizabal’s June 1 ordination. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Diocesan priests gathered at St. Joseph Cathedral to welcome their newest brother, Father Sebastian Aristizabal. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Father Robert Owczarczak (left) and Father Andrew Lauricalla (right), help vest Father Sebastian Aristizabal at his ordination. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Father Sebastian Aristizabal shows his reverence for the Lord by laying prostrate during his ordination. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira) 
Yes, Family #26, this is your new parochial vicar. (Photo by Nicole Dzimira)
Father Aristizabal’s popularity led Father Owczarczak to rent a bus to take parishioners to downtown Buffalo, so they could attend the ordination at St. Joseph Cathedral.
“He is one of the kindest people I know. He has a real heart for the poor. Being a former Franciscan brother, he really reaches out to those in need and is willing to do anything at any time for anybody. He has a true heart of Christ.”
Catherine Mohart recalled watching Father Aristizabal preach in Spanish at Easter Mass. “Even though I don’t speak much Spanish, he just radiated and you could feel the Holy Spirit while you were there at the Mass,” she said. “There is just something very special about him. I think he’s going to be an incredible gift to our diocese as far as the way he reaches people because of the compassion that he has for everyone.”
